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–+ servings

Ultimate Italian Pasta Salad for Summer Parties

Rose
This Ultimate Italian Pasta Salad for Summer Parties is a fresh, colorful, and crowd-pleasing dish packed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, and meal prep, it’s easy to customize and tastes even better after chilling.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot for boiling pasta
  • colander for draining pasta
  • large mixing bowl for assembling salad
  • small bowl or jar for whisking dressing
  • knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 English cucumber, chopped
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just past al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
  • While the pasta cooks, chop the tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and onion. Slice the olives and pepperoncini. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
  • In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, pepperoncini, parsley, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Fold in the fresh basil just before serving. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Notes

Salt the pasta water generously for best flavor. Toss the pasta with dressing while slightly warm for better absorption. Reserve a small amount of dressing to refresh before serving. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor. Not recommended for freezing, as vegetables and mozzarella may become watery.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword easy picnic salad, Italian pasta salad, pasta salad for parties, summer pasta salad
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